dha us332
DHA-US332 Mental Health Assessment Health Care Personnel Training: deployment mental health assessment time frames, the three-stage process, who may conduct and countersign, training and certification, records, VA sharing and command notification, and the annual MHA inside the PHA. Sources: DoDI 6490.12 (2013, the course edition), current 10 U.S.C. 1074m and 1074n, and DoDI 6200.06 Change 1 (2025) and Change 2 (2026); where current law differs from the course, both answers are given.
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01What does DoDI 6490.12 establish?
Policy for person-to-person deployment mental health assessments (MHAs) for every Service member deployed in connection with a contingency operation, under 10 U.S.C. 1074m.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Establishes the policy for person-to-person deployment mental health assessments for each member of the Military Services deployed in connection with a contingency operation according to Section 1074m of Title 10, United States Code”
— DoDI 6490.12, Mental Health Assessments for Service Members Deployed in Connection with a Contingency Operation (26 Feb 2013, incl. Change 1, 2 Oct 2013), p. 1 ↗02Which memorandum does DoDI 6490.12 implement for serial deployment mental health assessments?
The Secretary of Defense memo "Final Recommendations of the Ft. Hood Follow-on Review" (18 Aug 2010).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Secretary of Defense Memorandum, “Final Recommendations of the Ft. Hood Follow-on Review,” August 18, 2010”
— DoDI 6490.12, Mental Health Assessments for Service Members Deployed in Connection with a Contingency Operation (26 Feb 2013, incl. Change 1, 2 Oct 2013), p. 3 ↗03Which earlier guidance did DoDI 6490.12 incorporate and cancel?
The July 2010 ASD(HA) mental health assessment memo and Directive-type Memorandum (DTM) 11-011.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs Memorandum, “Mental Health Assessments for Members of the Armed Forces Deployed in Connection with a Contingency Operation,” July 19, 2010 (hereby cancelled)”
— DoDI 6490.12, Mental Health Assessments for Service Members Deployed in Connection with a Contingency Operation (26 Feb 2013, incl. Change 1, 2 Oct 2013), p. 3 ↗04Does DoDI 6490.12 apply to the Coast Guard?
Yes, at all times, including when the Coast Guard is operating under the Department of Homeland Security (by agreement with that Department).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“including the Coast Guard at all times, including when it is a Service in the Department of Homeland Security by agreement with that Department”
— DoDI 6490.12, Mental Health Assessments for Service Members Deployed in Connection with a Contingency Operation (26 Feb 2013, incl. Change 1, 2 Oct 2013), p. 1 ↗05Under DoDI 6490.12, what does "deployed in connection with a contingency operation" require in terms of time?
Deployment to an operational area for more than 30 days on temporary or permanent official orders.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The relocation of forces and materiel to desired operational areas in which Service members are or may become involved in military actions, operations, or hostilities against an enemy of the United States or against an opposing military force for a period longer than 30 days pursuant to temporary or permanent official orders.”
— DoDI 6490.12, Mental Health Assessments for Service Members Deployed in Connection with a Contingency Operation (26 Feb 2013, incl. Change 1, 2 Oct 2013), p. 8 ↗06How does DoDI 6490.12 define an operational risk factor?
An activity, event or circumstance that could increase the risk of physical or psychological injury to a deployed person.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“An activity, event, or circumstance that could increase the risk of physical or psychological injury to a deployed individual”
— DoDI 6490.12, Mental Health Assessments for Service Members Deployed in Connection with a Contingency Operation (26 Feb 2013, incl. Change 1, 2 Oct 2013), p. 8 ↗07Which of these is listed as an operational risk factor: witnessing or handling human remains?
Yes. Witnessing or handling human remains is listed, along with engagement in direct combat and actual or threatened injury or death of others.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Actual or threatened injury or death of others. Witnessing or handling human remains. Engagement in direct combat.”
— DoDI 6490.12, Mental Health Assessments for Service Members Deployed in Connection with a Contingency Operation (26 Feb 2013, incl. Change 1, 2 Oct 2013), p. 8 ↗08Under DoDI 6490.12, in how many time frames are deployment mental health assessments done, and how far apart?
Four time frames, given at least 90 days apart.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The mental health assessments will be conducted during four time frames in a consistent manner across the Military Services and will be administered at least 90 days apart”
— DoDI 6490.12, Mental Health Assessments for Service Members Deployed in Connection with a Contingency Operation (26 Feb 2013, incl. Change 1, 2 Oct 2013), p. 1 ↗09When is the pre-deployment mental health assessment done under DoDI 6490.12?
Within 120 days before the estimated date of deployment.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Within 120 days before the estimated date of deployment.”
— DoDI 6490.12, Mental Health Assessments for Service Members Deployed in Connection with a Contingency Operation (26 Feb 2013, incl. Change 1, 2 Oct 2013), p. 1 ↗10Under DoDI 6490.12, when is the first post-deployment mental health assessment done?
Between 90 and 180 days after return from deployment.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Between 90 and 180 days after return from deployment.”
— DoDI 6490.12, Mental Health Assessments for Service Members Deployed in Connection with a Contingency Operation (26 Feb 2013, incl. Change 1, 2 Oct 2013), p. 2 ↗11Under DoDI 6490.12, when is the second post-deployment mental health assessment done?
Between 181 days and 18 months after return from deployment.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Between 181 days and 18 months after return from deployment.”
— DoDI 6490.12, Mental Health Assessments for Service Members Deployed in Connection with a Contingency Operation (26 Feb 2013, incl. Change 1, 2 Oct 2013), p. 2 ↗12Under DoDI 6490.12, when is the third post-deployment mental health assessment done?
Between 18 and 30 months after return from deployment.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Between 18 and 30 months after return from deployment.”
— DoDI 6490.12, Mental Health Assessments for Service Members Deployed in Connection with a Contingency Operation (26 Feb 2013, incl. Change 1, 2 Oct 2013), p. 2 ↗13How many deployment mental health assessments must a deploying Service member complete under DoDI 6490.12?
Four: one person-to-person pre-deployment assessment and three post-deployment assessments.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“will be required to complete a person-to-person pre-deployment mental health assessment and three post-deployment mental health assessments”
— DoDI 6490.12, Mental Health Assessments for Service Members Deployed in Connection with a Contingency Operation (26 Feb 2013, incl. Change 1, 2 Oct 2013), p. 5 ↗14If pre-deployment health assessments were not required but the commander requires post-deployment health assessments because of operational risk factors, are post-deployment MHAs required?
Yes. Post-deployment mental health assessments are also required in that case.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“but commanders require post-deployment health assessments because a Service member was exposed to operational risk factors during the course of the deployment, post-deployment mental health assessments will also be required”
— DoDI 6490.12, Mental Health Assessments for Service Members Deployed in Connection with a Contingency Operation (26 Feb 2013, incl. Change 1, 2 Oct 2013), p. 5 ↗15A member starts preparing to deploy again before finishing all three post-deployment MHAs and completes a pre-deployment MHA. What happens?
The MHA cycle resets, and the remaining post-deployment MHA requirement is considered satisfied.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“the individual’s deployment mental health assessment cycle will then reset and the requirement to complete the post deployment mental health assessments will be considered satisfied”
— DoDI 6490.12, Mental Health Assessments for Service Members Deployed in Connection with a Contingency Operation (26 Feb 2013, incl. Change 1, 2 Oct 2013), p. 6 ↗16Current law (10 U.S.C. 1074m): when is the pre-deployment mental health assessment done?
Once during the 120 days before the deployment date. This matches the course (DoDI 6490.12: within 120 days before the estimated deployment date).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Within 120 days before the estimated date of deployment.”
— DoDI 6490.12, Mental Health Assessments for Service Members Deployed in Connection with a Contingency Operation (26 Feb 2013, incl. Change 1, 2 Oct 2013), p. 1 ↗17Current law (10 U.S.C. 1074m): how often is a mental health assessment done while a member is deployed?
Once during each 180-day period of the deployment.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Once during each 180-day period during which a member is deployed.”
— 10 U.S.C. 1074m, Mental health assessments for members deployed in support of a contingency operation (current, via LII) ↗18Current law (10 U.S.C. 1074m): when is the first post-deployment mental health assessment due?
Between the redeployment date and 21 days after the member's post-deployment leave ends. (The course, DoDI 6490.12, teaches 90 to 180 days after return.)
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Between 90 and 180 days after return from deployment.”
— DoDI 6490.12, Mental Health Assessments for Service Members Deployed in Connection with a Contingency Operation (26 Feb 2013, incl. Change 1, 2 Oct 2013), p. 2 ↗19Current law (10 U.S.C. 1074m): after the first post-deployment assessment, how often are MHAs required?
At least once a year, starting 21 days after post-deployment leave ends. (The course's 181-day-to-18-month and 18-to-30-month windows come from DoDI 6490.12; 1074m was last amended in Dec 2019.)
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Between 18 and 30 months after return from deployment.”
— DoDI 6490.12, Mental Health Assessments for Service Members Deployed in Connection with a Contingency Operation (26 Feb 2013, incl. Change 1, 2 Oct 2013), p. 2 ↗20Under 10 U.S.C. 1074m, when may the first post-deployment MHA be moved to 90-180 days after redeployment?
When there are not enough personnel to do it on time, or an administrative processing issue on return to the home unit would prevent doing it effectively.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“an administrative processing issue exists upon the return of the member to the home unit or duty station that would prohibit the effective performance of the assessment during such time period”
— 10 U.S.C. 1074m, Mental health assessments for members deployed in support of a contingency operation (current, via LII) ↗21When may the post-deployment MHAs under 10 U.S.C. 1074m be skipped for a member?
When giving the assessment in that window would remove the member from forward deployment or put members or operational objectives at risk.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“would remove the member from forward deployment or put members or operational objectives at risk”
— 10 U.S.C. 1074m, Mental health assessments for members deployed in support of a contingency operation (current, via LII) ↗22Are post-deployment MHAs under 10 U.S.C. 1074m still required after a member is discharged or released?
No. They stop after discharge or release from the armed forces.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“No mental health assessment is required to be provided to an individual under subparagraph (C) or (D) of subsection (a)(1) after the individual’s discharge or release from the armed forces.”
— 10 U.S.C. 1074m, Mental health assessments for members deployed in support of a contingency operation (current, via LII) ↗23What is the purpose of the deployment mental health assessment?
To identify mental health conditions such as PTSD, suicidal tendencies and other behavioral health conditions that need referral for more care, to protect individual and unit readiness.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The purpose of the deployment mental health assessment is to identify mental health conditions including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suicidal tendencies, and other behavioral health conditions that require referral for additional care and treatment in order to ensure individual and unit readiness”
— DoDI 6490.12, Mental Health Assessments for Service Members Deployed in Connection with a Contingency Operation (26 Feb 2013, incl. Change 1, 2 Oct 2013), p. 5 ↗24What forms can the person-to-person dialogue of a mental health assessment take?
Face-to-face, by telephone, or by video teleconference.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Include a person-to-person dialogue (e.g., face-to-face, by telephone, or video teleconference)”
— DoDI 6490.12, Mental Health Assessments for Service Members Deployed in Connection with a Contingency Operation (26 Feb 2013, incl. Change 1, 2 Oct 2013), p. 5 ↗25Why must a mental health assessment be conducted in a private setting?
To foster trust and openness when discussing sensitive health concerns.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“be conducted in a private setting to foster trust and openness in discussing sensitive health concerns”
— 10 U.S.C. 1074m, Mental health assessments for members deployed in support of a contingency operation (current, via LII) ↗26Must deployment mental health assessments be provided the same way in every Service?
Yes. The law requires them to be provided in a consistent manner across the military departments.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“be provided in a consistent manner across the military departments”
— 10 U.S.C. 1074m, Mental health assessments for members deployed in support of a contingency operation (current, via LII) ↗27What records must be reviewed as part of the deployment mental health assessment?
The member's available health records related to each previous deployment.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The deployment mental health assessment must include a review of the available health records of the Service member that are related to each previous deployment.”
— DoDI 6490.12, Mental Health Assessments for Service Members Deployed in Connection with a Contingency Operation (26 Feb 2013, incl. Change 1, 2 Oct 2013), p. 6 ↗28When can a periodic health assessment or the Post-Deployment Health Reassessment count as a deployment MHA?
Only if it uses all the psychological and social questions from the deployment health assessment forms (DD 2795 and DD 2900) and is done person-to-person in private, as the instruction specifies.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“DD Form 2795, “Pre-Deployment Health Assessment Questionnaire” and the DD Form 2900, “Post-Deployment Health Reassessment”), and if they are conducted in a manner specified in paragraph 1c of this enclosure”
— DoDI 6490.12, Mental Health Assessments for Service Members Deployed in Connection with a Contingency Operation (26 Feb 2013, incl. Change 1, 2 Oct 2013), p. 5 ↗29Which deployment health form is DD Form 2795, used in the pre-deployment MHA?
The Pre-Deployment Health Assessment Questionnaire.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“DD Form 2795, “Pre-Deployment Health Assessment Questionnaire””
— DoDI 6490.12, Mental Health Assessments for Service Members Deployed in Connection with a Contingency Operation (26 Feb 2013, incl. Change 1, 2 Oct 2013), p. 5 ↗30Which deployment health form is DD Form 2900, used after return from deployment?
The Post-Deployment Health Reassessment.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“the DD Form 2900, “Post-Deployment Health Reassessment””
— DoDI 6490.12, Mental Health Assessments for Service Members Deployed in Connection with a Contingency Operation (26 Feb 2013, incl. Change 1, 2 Oct 2013), p. 5 ↗31Where are the specific self-report and provider questions for the deployment MHA found?
In the deployment health assessment forms, DD Forms 2795 and 2900.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Specific self-report questions for Service members, and specific questions for healthcare providers to conduct a deployment mental health assessment are included in the deployment health assessment forms (DD Forms 2795 and 2900)”
— DoDI 6490.12, Mental Health Assessments for Service Members Deployed in Connection with a Contingency Operation (26 Feb 2013, incl. Change 1, 2 Oct 2013), p. 6 ↗32How many stages does the deployment mental health assessment process have?
Three.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The deployment mental health assessment follows a three-stage process”
— DoDI 6490.12, Mental Health Assessments for Service Members Deployed in Connection with a Contingency Operation (26 Feb 2013, incl. Change 1, 2 Oct 2013), p. 6 ↗33What happens in Stage 1 of the mental health assessment?
All deploying members complete a self-report survey with initial screening questions. It is meant to detect potential problem areas and define high-risk groups.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Stage 1 involves the completion of a self-report survey which includes initial screening questions that are completed by all deploying Service members. This stage is designed to detect potential problem areas and define high-risk groups.”
— DoDI 6490.12, Mental Health Assessments for Service Members Deployed in Connection with a Contingency Operation (26 Feb 2013, incl. Change 1, 2 Oct 2013), p. 6 ↗34What triggers Stage 2 of the mental health assessment?
A positive Stage 1 screen for either PTSD or depression. The member then completes additional questionnaires.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“all deploying Service members complete additional questionnaires if the Stage 1 screening for either PTSD or depression is positive”
— DoDI 6490.12, Mental Health Assessments for Service Members Deployed in Connection with a Contingency Operation (26 Feb 2013, incl. Change 1, 2 Oct 2013), p. 6 ↗35What is Stage 2 of the mental health assessment designed to do?
Drill down to PTSD and depression criteria, measure symptom severity, and help providers spot concerns for further evaluation or treatment.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“This stage is designed to “drill down” to PTSD and depression criteria, measure symptom severity, and help providers identify concerns for further evaluation or treatment.”
— DoDI 6490.12, Mental Health Assessments for Service Members Deployed in Connection with a Contingency Operation (26 Feb 2013, incl. Change 1, 2 Oct 2013), p. 6 ↗36What happens in Stage 3 of the mental health assessment?
The person-to-person provider interview: the provider reviews and clarifies answers, identifies concerns, does a Brief Intervention for Risky Drinking if applicable, and makes referrals as indicated.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Stage 3 is the person-to-person provider interview during which the provider reviews and clarifies responses, identifies areas of concern, conducts Brief Intervention for Risky Drinking (if applicable), and provides referrals for further evaluation or treatment as indicated”
— DoDI 6490.12, Mental Health Assessments for Service Members Deployed in Connection with a Contingency Operation (26 Feb 2013, incl. Change 1, 2 Oct 2013), p. 6 ↗37In which stage does the provider assess the risk of suicide or violence toward others?
Stage 3, the person-to-person provider interview.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“It is during this stage that the provider also assesses for risk of suicide or violence toward others.”
— DoDI 6490.12, Mental Health Assessments for Service Members Deployed in Connection with a Contingency Operation (26 Feb 2013, incl. Change 1, 2 Oct 2013), p. 6 ↗38Who may conduct deployment mental health assessments under DoDI 6490.12?
An independently licensed mental health professional, or a trained and certified health care provider: physician, PA, nurse practitioner, advanced practice nurse, independent duty corpsman, special forces medical sergeant, IDMT, or independent health services technician.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“conducted by either an independently licensed mental health professional or a trained and certified health care provider (specifically a physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, advanced practice nurse, independent duty corpsman, special forces medical sergeant, independent duty medical technician, or independent health services technician)”
— DoDI 6490.12, Mental Health Assessments for Service Members Deployed in Connection with a Contingency Operation (26 Feb 2013, incl. Change 1, 2 Oct 2013), p. 6 ↗39May a mental health technician conduct a deployment mental health assessment?
Yes, if the technician has completed the MHA training and certification and a qualified provider is available to supervise and countersign.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“An independently licensed mental health provider, physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant is available to supervise and countersign each assessment before a disposition is made”
— DoDI 6490.12, Mental Health Assessments for Service Members Deployed in Connection with a Contingency Operation (26 Feb 2013, incl. Change 1, 2 Oct 2013), p. 6 ↗40Who may supervise and countersign a mental health technician's assessment, and when?
An independently licensed mental health provider, physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant, before any disposition is made.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“An independently licensed mental health provider, physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant is available to supervise and countersign each assessment before a disposition is made”
— DoDI 6490.12, Mental Health Assessments for Service Members Deployed in Connection with a Contingency Operation (26 Feb 2013, incl. Change 1, 2 Oct 2013), p. 6 ↗41Do licensed mental health professionals need the MHA training?
No. They are considered previously trained and certified.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Licensed mental health professionals are considered previously trained and certified and do not require the additional training described in this instruction”
— DoDI 6490.12, Mental Health Assessments for Service Members Deployed in Connection with a Contingency Operation (26 Feb 2013, incl. Change 1, 2 Oct 2013), p. 4 ↗42Under 10 U.S.C. 1074m, when may unit health care personnel in deployed units perform MHAs?
When they are available and doing the assessments would not impair their ability to perform higher-priority tasks. They must also be trained and certified.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“by personnel in deployed units whose responsibilities include providing unit health care services if such personnel are available and the use of such personnel for the assessments would not impair the capacity of such personnel to perform higher priority tasks”
— 10 U.S.C. 1074m, Mental health assessments for members deployed in support of a contingency operation (current, via LII) ↗43Who must ensure all health care providers are trained and certified to perform deployment MHAs?
The Secretaries of the Military Departments.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The Secretaries of the Military Departments will: a. Ensure that all health care providers are trained and certified to perform deployment mental health assessments and to make appropriate clinical referrals”
— DoDI 6490.12, Mental Health Assessments for Service Members Deployed in Connection with a Contingency Operation (26 Feb 2013, incl. Change 1, 2 Oct 2013), p. 4 ↗44How does a provider receive the certificate for the MHA training?
By successfully completing the post-test at the end of the mandatory self-directed training.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“mandatory self-directed training for deployment mental health assessments is available”
— DoDI 6490.12, Mental Health Assessments for Service Members Deployed in Connection with a Contingency Operation (26 Feb 2013, incl. Change 1, 2 Oct 2013), p. 7 ↗45Which program verifies provider training and compliance with DoDI 6490.12?
The Force Health Protection Quality Assurance Program.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The Force Health Protection Quality Assurance Program will perform verification of provider training and compliance with this instruction”
— DoDI 6490.12, Mental Health Assessments for Service Members Deployed in Connection with a Contingency Operation (26 Feb 2013, incl. Change 1, 2 Oct 2013), p. 7 ↗46Who monitors compliance with DoDI 6490.12?
The Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs (ASD(HA)).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“ASD(HA) Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs”
— DoDI 6490.12, Mental Health Assessments for Service Members Deployed in Connection with a Contingency Operation (26 Feb 2013, incl. Change 1, 2 Oct 2013), p. 8 ↗47What must the ASD for Reserve Affairs ensure under DoDI 6490.12?
That Reserve Component MHA requirements and procedures are consistent with those for the Active Component.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“the ASD(RA) will ensure that relevant deployment mental health assessment requirements and procedures for the Reserve Components are consistent with those established for Active Components as appropriate”
— DoDI 6490.12, Mental Health Assessments for Service Members Deployed in Connection with a Contingency Operation (26 Feb 2013, incl. Change 1, 2 Oct 2013), p. 4 ↗48Where must deployment mental health assessment results be recorded?
In the Service member's medical record.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Results from these deployment mental health assessments must be recorded in the Service member’s medical record”
— DoDI 6490.12, Mental Health Assessments for Service Members Deployed in Connection with a Contingency Operation (26 Feb 2013, incl. Change 1, 2 Oct 2013), p. 7 ↗49Why are MHA results recorded in the medical record?
To support health surveillance of the deploying force and to let MHA data be shared with VA providers.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“to assist with health surveillance of the deploying force and to allow mental health assessment data to be shared with providers from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)”
— DoDI 6490.12, Mental Health Assessments for Service Members Deployed in Connection with a Contingency Operation (26 Feb 2013, incl. Change 1, 2 Oct 2013), p. 7 ↗50What must the provider make sure of before each deployment mental health assessment?
That the Service member has been told their information will be shared with the VA.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Before each deployment mental health assessment is conducted, the provider must ensure that the Service member is notified of the sharing of information with the VA”
— DoDI 6490.12, Mental Health Assessments for Service Members Deployed in Connection with a Contingency Operation (26 Feb 2013, incl. Change 1, 2 Oct 2013), p. 7 ↗51Why does DoD share mental health assessment information with the VA?
To keep mental health care continuous as the member moves from DoD care to VA care.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“to ensure continuity of mental health care and treatment of members of the armed forces during the transition from health care and treatment provided by the Department of Defense to health care and treatment provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs”
— 10 U.S.C. 1074m, Mental health assessments for members deployed in support of a contingency operation (current, via LII) ↗52When must a provider notify the Service member's commander after an MHA?
When a concern meets the DoDI 6490.08 disclosure criteria, including risk of harm to self, to others, or to the mission.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Healthcare providers will notify the Service member’s commander of any concerns that meet the criteria for disclosure based on DoDI 6490.08 (Reference (j)), including but not limited to risk of harm to self, risk of harm to others, and risk of harm to the mission.”
— DoDI 6490.12, Mental Health Assessments for Service Members Deployed in Connection with a Contingency Operation (26 Feb 2013, incl. Change 1, 2 Oct 2013), p. 7 ↗53Which DoD Instruction sets the command notification rules that apply to MHA findings?
DoDI 6490.08, Command Notification Requirements to Dispel Stigma in Providing Mental Health Care to Service Members.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“DoD Instruction 6490.08, “Command Notification Requirements to Dispel Stigma in Providing Mental Health Care to Service Members,””
— DoDI 6490.12, Mental Health Assessments for Service Members Deployed in Connection with a Contingency Operation (26 Feb 2013, incl. Change 1, 2 Oct 2013), p. 3 ↗54How often must Service members receive a person-to-person mental health assessment under 10 U.S.C. 1074n?
At least once each calendar year, and before separation from active duty.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“not less frequently than once each calendar year (and before separation from active duty pursuant to section 1145(a)(5)(A) of this title)”
— 10 U.S.C. 1074n, Annual mental health assessments for members of the armed forces (current, via LII) ↗55Who must receive the annual mental health assessment under 10 U.S.C. 1074n?
Every member of a regular component and every member of the Selected Reserve.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“(1)each member of a regular component of the armed forces; and (2)each member of the Selected Reserve of an armed force.”
— 10 U.S.C. 1074n, Annual mental health assessments for members of the armed forces (current, via LII) ↗56Is the annual MHA required in a year when the member already had a deployment MHA under 1074m?
No. A 1074m deployment MHA in that calendar year satisfies it.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The Secretary is not required to provide a mental health assessment pursuant to this section to an individual in a calendar year in which the individual has received a mental health assessment pursuant to section 1074m of this title.”
— 10 U.S.C. 1074n, Annual mental health assessments for members of the armed forces (current, via LII) ↗57Can a periodic health assessment (PHA) count as the required mental health assessment?
Yes, if the Secretary determines it meets the mental health assessment requirements of the law.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The Secretary may treat periodic health assessments and other person-to-person assessments that are provided to members of the armed forces, including examinations under section 1074f of this title, as meeting the requirements for mental health assessments required under this section”
— 10 U.S.C. 1074n, Annual mental health assessments for members of the armed forces (current, via LII) ↗58How must personal information from an annual mental health assessment be handled?
Protected from disclosure or misuse under the applicable privacy laws.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Any medical or other personal information obtained under this section shall be protected from disclosure or misuse in accordance with the laws on privacy applicable to such information.”
— 10 U.S.C. 1074n, Annual mental health assessments for members of the armed forces (current, via LII) ↗59What mental health component does the Periodic Health Assessment include?
A person-to-person mental health assessment with a provider trained to perform MHAs, under 10 U.S.C. 1074n.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Include a person-to-person mental health assessment with a health care provider trained to perform mental health assessments, in accordance with Section 1074n of Title 10, United States Code”
— DoWI 6200.06, Periodic Health Assessment Program, Change 2 (1 Sep 2026, current), p. 3 ↗60During a PHA, when does the trained provider conduct the person-to-person mental health assessment?
If one has not already been completed in the current calendar year.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Conduct the person-to-person mental health assessment if not previously completed within the current calendar year.”
— DoWI 6200.06, Periodic Health Assessment Program, Change 2 (1 Sep 2026, current), p. 9 ↗61Can a PHA be counted current if the person-to-person mental health assessment was not done?
No. A person-to-person MHA is one of the steps required before the PHA is considered current for reporting.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The PHA is considered current for reporting purposes when health care providers have completed all of the following: (1) Reviewed records and self-assessments. (2) Conducted a person-to-person mental health assessment.”
— DoWI 6200.06, Periodic Health Assessment Program, Change 2 (1 Sep 2026, current), p. 9 ↗62Which instruction does DoDI 6200.06 point to for licensed mental health professionals conducting the PHA mental health assessment?
The course-era answer is DoDI 6490.12 (6200.06 Change 1, Apr 2025). Change 2 (1 Sep 2026, current) points to DoDI 6490.03 instead.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Licensed mental health professionals may conduct this assessment in accordance with DoDI 6490.03.”
— DoWI 6200.06, Periodic Health Assessment Program, Change 2 (1 Sep 2026, current), p. 3 ↗Know questions we're missing?
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